Dunkirk sticks with contract

DUNKIRK — City council decided not to negotiate one of its fire contracts.
Joe Gutshall, who serves as Knox Township trustee, spoke at Monday’s Dunkirk City Council meeting about the 3 percent increase in the contract with Dunkirk Fire Department to provide fire coverage to the township.
“They all agreed they would not sign the contract as is," Gutshall said of his board members.
The 3 percent increases, which began four years ago, brings the contract to $2,336.23 for 2016.
Gutshall also said his board was concerned about a $200 fee charged for fire runs. Dunkirk Mayor Dan Watson said the money is charged to homeowner's insurance and no fee is charged if the homeowner doesn't have insurance.
"We're not willing to negotiate it at this point in time," Watson told Gutshall, but suggested the board contact him to discuss the matter.
Watson informed council that since he took office in 2012 the general fund balance has increased to $1.22 million from $594,000 and praised council in their efforts during his tenure.
The meeting was the second-to-last for Watson as mayor after he lost the November election to Gene Ritter. His final meeting will be Dec. 28.
In other business, council members Jesse Bivens, Judy Garr, Tom Johnson, Jack Robbins and Lisa Street:
•Approved a payment plan for a residence at 223 Lincoln Ave. for a water bill of $1,206.44. The owner will pay $300 per month for four months and a $75 deposit to turn the water back on.
•Heard from Watson that the town received its bicentennial flag Friday and it can be put up anytime at Dunkirk Police Department.
•Approved transfers for Dunkirk Park Department to balance funds as the end of the year approaches.
•Learned that Dunkirk Park Board will remain the same for 2016 with Oma Scruggs as president, Tom Brosher as vice president and Ronnie Fuller as secretary.
•Agreed to pay $720 to Mine Safety Appliance Company for reset and calibration of an oxygen sensor at the Dunkirk Wastewater Treatment Plant.
•Agreed to have clerk-treasurer John Phillips get insurance specs for building and liability insurance for the city from Barnum and Brown Insurance to check prices with competitors.
•Agreed to pay $1,631.40 to AFC International for two cylinders for the fire department.    
 •Heard Dunkirk Police Department handled 115 complaints and drove approximately 4,553 miles in November.
•Paid claims totaling $237,386.07.
•Heard a caucus will be held on Dec. 29 to fill the position of clerk-treasurer.